Ethiopian Members of House of Peoples’ Representatives held a special session deteriorating security situation in the country. There has been violence and atrocities against civilians perpetrated in “Oromia, Gembella, Southern Nations, Nationalities and People’s region, Benishangul Gumuz, Afar and Amhara regional states and in various others parts of our country” according to statement read in parliament.
There has been repeated massacre of civilians in Western Oromia (Wallaga) targeting specific ethnic group dwelling in that region. Ethiopian prime minister recently condemned the killing of civilians in the area.
The session started with passing a resolution to observe a minute of silence for victims of atrocities, form a special committee to investigate. The Parliament has issued the following six-point resolution signed off by Tagesse Chefo, Speaker of the House:
- To hold one-minute silence for unjustly massacred citizens
- To hold accountable individuals who have caused deaths, injuries, and property damages to civilians in any region or areas of our country;
- For the leadership at all levels, the security forces, and the judiciary to ensure the safety and security of our people; and to bring perpetrators to justice;
- Urgently rehabilitate displaced persons into their villages;
- The people of Ethiopian to stand together in brotherhood, solidarity, and unity during this difficult time;
- A special committee considering the diversity shall be formed by the leadership of the House of Representatives to investigate the matter and provide adequate information to the House and the people of Ethiopia; and to provide recommendations for next course of actions.
A member of parliament, Hangasa Ibrahim repsenting East-Hararge went live on facebook on 05.07.22 claiming that the recent atrocities that took place against civilians in Western Oromia, and were blamed on the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) fighters, were instead planned and orchestrated by the sitting President of Oromia regional state, Shimelis Abdissa, Oromia police Commissioner Ararsa Merdasa, and Oromia PP branch senior leadership. He previously accused the head of Oromia police commission, Commissioner Ararsa Merdasa, of being behind the execution of 14 Karrayu Abba Gadas in East Shawa zone of Oromia regional state, which was initially blamed on OLA both by the federal and regional governments. Later on, an investigation conducted by the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) revealed the traditional leaders (Abba Gadas) of Karrayyu were “executed” by security forces.
MP Hangasa went on and asked Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to dismantle the political structure of Oromia region starting with regional president himself in order to restore peace and order in the country.
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